Ladder and hanger frame assembly, and reversibility and portability features therein



Ma 28, 1968 J. D. BURT 3,385,399

LADDER AND HANGER FRAME ASSEMBLY,AND REVERSIBILITY AND PORTABILITY FEATURES THEREIN 1 Filed July 27, i966 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR. J 001/61?! 5%?7 mwsmwm May 28, 1968 J. D. BURT 3,385,399

LADDER AND HANGER FRAME ASSEMBLY,AND REVERSIBILITY AND PORTABILITY FEATURES THEREIN Filed July '37, 1.966 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 /Z0 I22 INVENTOR.

Pia/ke S WM FTIdIA/f/ J. D. BURT May 28, 1968 LADDER AND HANGER FRAME ASSEMBLY,AND REVERSIBILITY AND PORTABILITY FEATURES THEREIN 4 Sheets-Sheez Filed July 37, 1966 INVENTOR. J. iii/614d aver irraaaey- May 28, 1968 J. D. BURT 3,385,399

LADDER AND HANGER FRAME ASSEMBLY,AND REVERSIBILITY AND PORTABILITY FEATURES THEREIN Filed July 27, 1966 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 55 f/ 1% f ll] INVENTOR. J ward/w 5%67 /0Za 24446! R S irraewzy United States Patent LADDER AND HANGER FRAME ASSEMBLY, AND

REVERSIBILITY AND PORTABELITY FEATURES THEREIN J. Douglas Burt, 908 Elm St., Terrace Park, Ohio 45174 Filed July 27, 1966, Ser. No. 568,252 8 Claims. (Cl. 182-70) This invention relates to ladders, and in particular, relates to a reversibly usea-ble ladder device, a collapsible portable ladder assembly and a hanger frame assembly for the device when not in use.

An object of this invention is to provide for supporting suspension members of different effective lengths so as to make useable a ladder on any one of a plurality of sills or the like having different widths.

Another object of this invention is to provide for a novel portable ladder.

Another object of this invention is to provide for a novel article of manufacture comprising a combination of a ladder assembly and a hanger frame assembly therefor.

A further object of this invention is to provide for a lightweight but sturdy, economical, and readily manufacturable article.

Another object of this invention is 'to provide for an article of manufacture instantaneously useable at a moments notice in the event of fire blocking normal escape passageways in higher storied buildings.

A still further object of this invention is to provide for a rapid and facile modus operandi in opening a ladder assembly in case of an emergency, by easily unsecuring a hanger frame assembly carrying a flexible ladder rung assembly from the device in its collapsed condition and thereby automatically playing the ladder rung assembly free of the hanger frame assembly ready for use.

An important object of this invention is to provide for a reversible positioning feature of pairs of suspension members for the ladder assembly, the particular position used being dependent upon the depth of the window sill or other support to which the suspension members are attached, the ladder rung assembly being readily freeable and disposable for use in either of the reversible positions of said members.

Another object of this invention is to provide for two pairs of suspension members providing for the above mentioned reversibility feature and being pivotally connected together for advantageous compacting with a hanger assembly frame during non-use.

These and other objects and advantages will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains, upon a reading of the following description, appended claims thereto, and the drawing comprising four sheets and in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of my ladder assembly suspended from a wide sill or support construction;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of my ladder assembly suspended from a narrow sill or support construction;

FIG. 3 is an elevational view of two pairs of suspension members, being in a collapsed or folded condition and accompanied by a hanger assembly frame (shown in phantom lines) connected thereto;

FIG. 4 is a plan view of the suspension members in a collapsed or folded condition;

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of a portion of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of a cable and fitting assembly for my ladder rung assembly;

FIG. 6a is a perspective view of a modified form of an element for the ladder rung assembly;

FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of my ladder device in its entirety in a folded or collapsed condition;

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FIG. 8 is a side elevational view, partly in section, of the hanger frame minus the suspension members, clearly showing the manner of arrangement of a ladder rung assembly therein;

FIG. 9 is an elevational view of the hanger frame for containing the ladder rung assembly partially shown in phantom lines;

FIG. 10 is a view taken on line 10-10 of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a side end view of a modified hanger frame;

FIG. 12 is a front view of the frame shown in FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a pivot stop means for suspension members of a ladder embodying my invention;

FIG. 14 is a sectional view of connected suspension members at their joining by the pivot stop means; and

FIG. 15 is a schematic view of joined suspension members.

Referring now to the drawing in which reference characters therein refer to like characters in the following description, 20 (FIGS. 1 and 2) designates a ladder device embodying my invention. Ladder device 20 comprises a first pair of suspension members 22, 24 and a second pair of suspension members 26, 28, securely connected together, a flexible ladder rung assembly 30 swingably connected to the suspension members, and a hanger assembly frame 32 (FIGS. 3, 7, 9) to which the suspension members and ladder rung assembly are mounted during non-use of the ladder apparatus (FIGS. 7, 8). Each pair of suspension members 22, 24 and 26, 28 comprises rigid straight portion elements 34, 35 disposed in spaced and generally parallel alignment with each other by means of a series of spaced cross-bars 36 suitably fastened therebetween as by rivets. A creased, hooking or turned end region 38 is mounted at one end of each of elements 34, 35 of suspension members 22, 24, and preferably formed integrally with the rigid material thereof. Similarly, a creased, hooking, or turned end region 40 is mounted at one end of each of elements 34, 35 of suspension members 26, 28, and also preferably formed integrally with the rigid material thereof. The turned end regions 38, 40 associated with main portions 34 lie generally in a plane or planes perpendicular to the planes in which suspension members 22, 24 and 26, 28 lie. Similarly, turned end regions 38, 40 associated with main portions 35 lie in a similar plane or planes perpendicular to the planes in which suspension members 22, 24 and 26, 28 lie.

The pairs of suspension members 22, 24, and 26, 28 are joined together so as to provide for an angular relationship between each other when in operable position, i.e., such relationship is formed by their respective planes, such planes preferably being formed generally 'at right angles to each other. In such relationship, turned end regions 38 and 40 are disposed within the confines of such angular relationship, such disposition providing for a hooked relationship of ladder device 20 with a sill or other support when placed in operable position. The preferred configurations of turned end regions 38 and 40 take the form of J-hooks so as to firmly grasp in a hooked relation a wall supporting the sill and to provide clearance of ladder rung assembly 3i from an outer wall barrier 31 or the like for facile foot and hand manipulation, during use.

The effective length of main portions 34, '35 in suspension members 22, 24 is greater than the effective length of main portions 34, 35 in suspension members 26, 28, as readily observable in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3, so as to provide for reversible operableness of device 20 with either a narrow or deep sill or support. This difference in effective lengths is provided by including an end portion 42 turned from each main portion 34, 35 of suspension members 26, 28 into generally planar alignment with suspension members 22, 24, and being suitably coupled to its respective main portion 34 or 35 of suspension members 22, 24. In the event that the 'above mentioned reversibility feature is not integrated into a device 20 that includes the feature of collapsibility, hereinafter more fully described, turned end portions 42 can be made integral with their respective abutting elements 34, 35 of suspension members 22, 24, thereby making both pairs of suspension members 22, 24 and 26, 28 rigidly integral with each other. However, the form of the preferred embodiment of the invention, as illustrated, includes the collapsibility feature of the suspension members one to the other.

It should now be apparent that the effective lengths of each pair of suspension members 22, 24 and 26, 28 are the lengths that lie across the width of sill 33 exclusive of turned end regions 38, 40. The parts of end portions 42 planar with members 22, 24 are included where necessary in the effective lengths for members 22, 24. It is these effective lengths that provide for the useability of my ladder on any one of a plurality of sills 33 having different linear dimensions across which suspension members 22, 24 or 26, 28 lie.

Each turned portion 42 is pivotally connected, as by rivets or pins at 44, to its corresponding element 34, 35 of suspension members 22, 24, whereby device 20 is collapsible into a folded and compact condition shown in FIGS. 3, 4 and 7. Means such as a bracing bar 48 extends between members 22, 24 and is securely attached as by means 49 at their ends at which turned portions 42 pivot, so as to prevent relative overextension or excess pivoting of pairs of suspension members 22, 24 and 26, 28, one to the other in either opened or collapsed condition, and nevertheless being arranged to provide for motion opening into operable position by a pivotal swing of end portions 42, the main portions 34, 35 of suspension members 22, 24 and 26, 28.

Means such as pins 50 are provided, preferably along the interior wall of each end portion 42, to respectively support eyelets 51 formed in each of a pair of cables 52, 54 constituting the sides of flexible ladder rung assembly 30 adapted for use in either of the positions of device 20 shown in FIGS. 1 'and 2. Means 58 (FIG. are disposed on end portions 42 in the proximity of and on either side of a line or axis common to the intersecting planes of suspension members 22, 24 and 26, 28, so that rung assembly 30 is hangingly disposable in either of the two support positions for suspension members 22, 24 and 26, 28. Eyelets 51 are loosely fit to means 50, for rotational movement thereabouts.

Ladder rung assembly 30 comprises the pair of flexible sides 52, 54, each preferably made of cable wire, tested for providing a suitable human weight safety factor, and a plurality of rigid rungs 82 suitably spaced one from the other along the lengths of sides 52, 54. FIG. 6 illustr'ates a cable and fitting assembly 70 by which each rung end is securely fastened at a particular point along a cable. A button fitting 72 is swaged to cable 52 after which a retainer member 74 is mounted thereto. Each retainer member 74 includes a slot 76 extending from its inner end 78 to 'a point in line with the alignment of cable 52 and diametrically runs through retainer member 74. A recess 80 extends generally coextensively with slot 76 and has a configuration corresponding to the profile of button fitting 72. After each cable 52, 54 and button fitting 72 is introduced into a retainer member 74 via slot 76 'and recess '80, and with each cable 52, 54 situated at the closed end of slot 76 in retainer member 74, an end of a hollow rung 82 is telescoped over a length 86 of reduced diameter on retainer 74, to abut against a shoulder 88 formed as a result of the reduced diameter of length 86. A retaining rivet or pin 84 is thence inserted through aligned diametrical apertures in rung 82 and retainer member 74. It should be observed that the extent of slot 76 terminates just beyond shoulder 88 and such termination is of a degree which provides for the diameter of cable 52 whereby no play of cable 52 in slot 76 can result after rung 82 has been pinned to retainer member 74. Recess 80, of course, extends slightly deeper into retainer member 74, at the closed end of slot 76, to accommodate the radius of button fitting 72 beyond the periphery of cable 52. It is now apparent that button fitting 72 swaged to a cable is locked in position in retainer member 74 and each rung 82 maintains a secure connection with sides 52, 54, as the case may be.

Hanger frame 32 is provided for the ladder assembly in its portable modus operandi whereby a compact unit for storage and non-use status is acquired. As shown in FIGS. 8, 9, 10, hanger frame 32 comprises a rectangular configuration of side panels 90, 92 and an end panel 94 suitably fastened together such as by welds, and all provided with flanged lips 96 on the front and rear open portions thereof. The end opposing end panel 94 is open to provide for adit and exit of the plurality of rungs 82 maintained therein by means of flanged lips 96 and as in a fashion illustrated in FIG. 8.

Securely mounted at the open end of hanger frame 32 is a means 100 for securing that end to crossbrace 48 on suspension members 22, 24. Securely mounted on end panel 94 are means 102 for securing that end to crossbar 36 connecting hooking regions 40 together. Each of these means 100, 102 comprises preferably metal clips capable of being resiliently attachable to their respective elements 48, 36 Means 100 is suitably attached by means of a crossplate 104 attached to panels 90, 92 along the rear portion of and the top of frame 32, extending generally in longitudinal alignment therewith, and with its clip engaging surface exposed towards the rear portion of frame 32. Means 102 is suitably and spacedly attached to end panel 94, in such a manner that its clip engaging surfaces extend outwardly of the front portion of frame 32, best shown in FIGS. 8 and 10.

The width of hanger frame 32 is such as to be wide enough for containing the lengths of rung assembly 30, yet narrow enough to be set within the space provided between the inner spacial dimensions (FIG. 3) provided in suspension members 26, 28 that are in collapsed condition as a result of pivotal action about suspension members 22, 24. The length of hanger frame 32 is such that its clip means 100 is readily fastenable to bracing bar 48 and its clip means 102 readily encircle crossbar 36 connecting turned end regions 40 of suspension members 26, 28, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 7. Thus, FIGS. 3 and 7 clearly illustrate the compactness of device 20 in its collapsed condition, with ladder rung and hanger frame assemblies interrelated with each other as well as with suspension members 22, 24 and 26, 28.

To fold or collapse device 20 into its collapsed condition, in the preferred form of the embodiment of my invention, suspension members 22, 24 and 26, 28 are pivoted as at 44 to place same in their relative positions shown by FIG. 7. Bracing bar 48 prevents further relative pivotal action. Before inserting hanger frame 32 into its secured position within collapsed members 22, 24 and 26, 28, ladder rung assembly 30 is slipped thereinto. The bottom rung 82b (FIG. 8) is rolled into the open end of hanger frame 32 with each rung 82 along ladder sides 52, 54 following suit. As each rung 82 is disposed one on top of the next in hanger frame 32, the intermediate cable lengths 521', 54i therebetween are laid exteriorly of hanger frame 32 in alternative fashion from front of frame 32 to the rear of frame 32, as FIG. 8 clearly suggests. After the top rung 821 (the one in closest proximity to eyelets '51 of cables 52, 54 supporting rungs 82) is situated in hanger frame 32, an elastic strand (FIG. 8) may be drawn thereover and across the transverse dimension of frame 32, being held between small hook members 112, 114 mounted on side panels 90, 92 so as to diagonally extend across the width of frame 32 and thereby prevent shifting of rungs 82 therein once they are in place. Thereafter, hanger frame 32 is inserted into the areal dimensions of collapsed members 22, 24 and 26, 28, with securing means 102 snapping onto crossbar 36 of suspension members 26, 28 and securing means 100 snapping onto bracing bar 48, all as shown in FIG. 7.

To place into operation, regardless of use across a narrow or wide sill 33, strand 110 is removed, and securing means 100 is unclipped so as to provide for rotation of hanger frame 32 about crossbar 36 The open end of hanger frame 32 is thus down ended, resulting in the playout of ladder rung assembly 30 therefrom. The appropritae or most suitable pair of suspension members 22, 24, or 26, 28, is thence applied to a sill or support whereby same is hooked thereto, as shown by FIGS. 1 and 2.

Various modifications in elements and assembly thereof can be made. For example, FIG. 6a illustrates a modified retainer member element 75. In this modification, the retainer member is composed of two similar halves 75 in which slot 76 and recess 80 are eliminated. A cavity 77 and vertical aperture 79 on each side thereof are provided in each element 75 for accommodation of button fitting 72 and cable 52, respectively, in the same manner as done in retainer member 74 FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate a hanger frame assembly 32a comprising side panels 90a, 92a, an end panel 94a connecting such side panels together such as by welding, and mounting bracket means 100a, 10017 suitably fixed to side panels 90a, 92a, respectively. Each mounting bracket means 100a, comprises a fiat member having an open configuration 101 whose profile corresponds to the configuration of crossbars 36j in order for frame assembly 32a to attach thereto when its associated suspension members are collapsed. A pair of housings 102a opening towards the bottom of frame assembly 32a engage a crossbar 36 in a manner similar to that for clips 102. A curled spring metal member 108, known as a negator clamp, has its respective ends encircling rung 82t on the one hand and a crossbar 36 on the other thereby securing rung ladder assembly 30 in frame assembly 32a during non-use of the device. By removing member 108 and releasing configuration 101 from crossbar 36 frame assembly 32a can pivot on its housings 102a about crossbar 36 thereby releasing ladder assembly 30 through the open top of frame assembly 32a.

FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrate alternative means by which suspension members can be pivoted between definite limits. By Way of schematic illustration shown in FIG. 15, a suspension J-member 120 and C-member 122, equivalent to suspension members 22, 24 and 26, 28 respectively, are pivotally connected by a pair of interlocking detent means 124, 126 dispose-d in the same location as and substituted for pivoting means 44 for each pair of cooperating suspension members. Each detent means 124, 126 comprises a pair of opposing detents or stops 127, 128, re-

spectively, each such pair being rotatable in the same plane as the other whereby the rotation of the one pair of detents 127 on means 124 is limited in rotation by engagement with the pair of detents 128 on means 126, and vice versa. A plurality of pins 130 east on each member 124, 126 and projecting into cor-responding apertures formed in members 120, 122 provide for the necessary fixed connection for relative pivoting of their respective members 120, 122. A threaded bolt and nut 132 extending through detent means 124, 126 and members 120, 122 secure the pivotable relationship together.

In the event that this alternative pivoting means is utilized, bracing bar 48 may be eliminated in view of the rotational limiting features provided by detent means 124, 126. A suitable crossbar such as 36 may then be sub stituted to provide additional rigidity between the spaced members 120*.

Materials such as aluminum, sheet metal, wood are utiiizable in the manufacture of my ladder device and it should be understood that various changes and modifications of materials, size and elements can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

Pursuant to the requirements of the patent statutes, the principle of this invention has been explained and exemplified in a manner so that it can be readily practiced by those skilled in the art to which it pertains, such exemplification including what is presently considered to represent the best embodiment of the invention. However, it should be clearly understood that the above description and illustrations are not intended to unduly limit the scope of the appended claims, but that therefrom the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described and exemplified herein, by those skilled in the art, and having the benefit of this disclosure.

Therefore, what I claim as patentably novel is:

1. For use in a ladder or the like,

a first pair of suspension members for supporting a ladder rung assembly and having a hooking region on each of said members,

a second pair of suspension members for supporting a ladder rung assembly and having a hooking region on each of said members,

said first and second pairs connected together where-by their respective planes intersect with each other to form an angular relationship therebctween, said hooking regions lying within the confines of the angular relationship of said pairs, each pair of members having an effective length different than the effective length of the other pair of members whereby said pairs of members are reversible with respect to a sill or support construction on which one or the other is mounted for use depending on the width of said sill or support construction,

the hooking regions on each said pair of suspension members providing for a hooking relation With the sill or support construction,

the hooking regions on the pair of suspension members not hooked to a sill or support construction providing for clearance of a ladder rung assembly from a barrier associated with said construction.

I 2. For use in a portable ladder or the like, the improvement comprising in combination,

a first pair of suspension members,

a second pair of suspension members,

each said pair of members provided with generally aligned and spaced main portions, the planes of said main portions forming an angular relationship between said pairs of members, the main portions of each said pair connected to the main portions of the other said pair,

a booking element mounted at each of the ends of said main portions and having its end lying within the confines of the formed angular relationship,

the main portions of each pair of members being of a different effective length. with respect to the main portions of the other pair of members, and

means for supporting a ladder rung assembly disposed in the proximity of an axis common to the intersecting planes of said portions whereby a ladder rung assembly mounted to said supporting means is hangingly disposable in either of two support positions for said first and second pairs of suspension memher.

3. The improvement in claim 2 including means for pivoting each pair of suspension members about the other to collapse same into a closed position.

4. The improvement of claim 3 including a ladder rung assembly,

a hanger frame assembly for retaining said ladder rung assembly when said pairs of suspension members are in collapsed condition, and

means for mounting said frame assembly on said pairs of suspension members in collapsed condition.

5. As an article of manufacture, a portable ladder assembly including means for retaining a ladder rung assembly when not in use, comprising in combination, a frame member having means for retaining therein a ladder rung assembly,

a first pair of suspension members each of such members connected to the other in a generally spaced parallel relationship, a second pair of suspension members each of such members connected to the other in a generally spaced parallel relationship,

said pairs of suspension members connected together to form an angular relationship between their respective planes,

means for pivoting said pairs of suspension members about each other whereby said pairs are collapsible together and into a folded condition,

each pair of suspension members provided with hooking means to engage a support on which said portable ladder device is mounted for use, the hooking means on the other of said pairs of suspension members spacing its members from a barrier associated with the support,

a ladder rung assembly connected to one of said pairs of suspension members for hanging disposition when said article is in operable position, said rung assembly retained in said frame member When said device is in collapsed condition, and

means on said frame member for securing same to said pairs of suspension members when said frame member and ladder rung assembly contained therein are joined to said pairs of suspension members in collapsed condition.

6. The article of manufacture of claim characterized by each said pair of suspension members having an effective length different than the effective length of the other pair of suspension members whereby said pairs of members are reversible with respect to a sill or support construction on Which one or the other is mounted for use depending on the width of said sill or support construction.

7. A collapsible portable ladder assembly comprising in combination,

a first pair of members for suspending therefrom a ladder rung assembly,

a second pair of members for suspending therefrom a a ladder rung assembly,

means pivotally connecting said pairs together whereby said pairs are collapsible into folded condition and openable into operable condition,

each pair of suspension members having an effective length different from the effective length of the other whereby said ladder assembly is reversibly attachable to one of a plurality of sills or other support constructions each of a width different from another,

hooking regions for each pair of members whereby either said pair is hookable across a support construction,

a flexible ladder rung assembly connected to one of the pairs of members,

a frame member hangable to said pairs of members for retaining said flexible ladder rung assembly when said ladder assembly is in collapsed condition,

said pairs of members being reversibly attachable by their respective hooking regions to a sill or window construction, the pair of members not attached spacing said ladder rung assembly from the support construction for ease of manipulation thereof.

8. A cable and fitting assembly for a ladder rung assembly comprising in combination,

a retainer member including an end and having a cavity for a cable,

a fitting swageable to a cable,

said fitting seated in said cavity, the profile of said fitting being slip-fitted to said cavity, and

a rung element mountable upon said end of said retainer member, and

means to secure said rung element to said retainer member.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,307,654 3/1967 Green et a1. 182-206 REINALDO P. MACHADO, Primary Examiner. 

1. FOR USE IN A LADDER OR THE LIKE, A FIRST PAIR OF SUSPENSION MEMBERS FOR SUPPORTING A LADDER RUNG ASSEMBLY AND HAVING A HOOKING REGION ON EACH OF SAID MEMBERS, A SECOND PAIR OF SUSPENSION MEMBERS FOR SUPPORTING A LADDER RUNG ASSEMBLY AND HAVING A HOOKING REGION ON EACH OF SAID MEMBERS, SAID FIRST AND SECOND PAIRS CONNECTED TOGETHER WHEREBY THEIR RESPECTIVE PLANES INTERSECT WITH EACH OTHER TO FORM AN ANGULAR RELATIONSHIP THEREBETWEEN, SAID HOOKING REGIONS LYING WITHIN THE CONFINES OF THE ANGULAR RELATIONSHIP OF SAID PAIRS, EACH PAIR OF MEMBERS HAVING AN EFFECTIVE LENGTH DIFFERENT THAN THE EFFECTIVE LENGTH OF THE OTHER PAIR OF MEMBERS WHEREBY SAID 